Those of you who were not here last weekend missed a vivid and inspiring testimony about the faith in Nigeria. Fr. Joseph described the frequency of violence against Catholics practicing their faith. Churches were burned, people were killed during Mass, the Cardinal of the diocese was kidnapped and assaulted, Fr. Joseph escaped from prison the night before he was scheduled to be beheaded. Yet the faith is strong and vibrant; the churches are packed; Mass lasts 3 hours; the people are joyful and hopeful; and they have so many priestly and religious vocation they send them to other countries including the United States.
He was also very appreciative that the United States had done so much for his country and reminded us about the material blessings we have, often take for granted, and are lacking in his country. It was a long homily, but most people were captivated and very generous in the collection.
In the final analysis, it made one see how blessed and fortunate we are to live in the USA. After all, we could have been born anywhere else in the world. May we never stop thanking God and praying for those less fortunate around the globe.
Fr. Carl
“One day, our Lord said to St. Catherine of Siena: ‘I want you to make a Retreat in your heart, and to come there to be alone with me and keep me company.’ Well let us do the same…”
~ Thoughts of the Cure D’Ars
